To expedite the review and publication process, all researchers interested in publishing their academic articles in this journal are kindly requested to carefully observe the following guidelines:
- The submitted manuscript must not have been previously published in any domestic or international journal. The editorial board expects that authors refrain from submitting their article to another journal until they receive a final decision on its acceptance from this journal.
- Article Structure:
2.1. Title Page: The title page must include: Title, Full name(s) of the author(s), Academic degree(s), Complete contact details (postal code, phone number, fax, and email), the institution where the research was conducted, the corresponding author (clearly indicated), Submission date
2.2. Abstract:
Persian Abstract: A concise yet comprehensive summary of the article, emphasizing the research problem, objectives, methodology, conclusions, and 3–5 keywords. The abstract should be written in a single paragraph (max. 250 words), clearly presenting the research methodology and key findings without undefined abbreviations, tables, figures, or references.
English Abstract: Must fully correspond to the Persian abstract. Since the journal is indexed in international databases, the English abstract must also be 250 words and include the introduction, methodology, results, conclusions, keywords, and references in a standalone format. References originally in Persian should be translated into English and included with the abstract.
2.3. Main Body of the Article (Maximum 7,000 words)
The manuscript should include the following sections:
2.3.1. Introduction should cover: Problem statement, literature review, research objectives, and significance of the study.
- Must be written continuously in 4–5 paragraphs (approx. 2,000–2,500 words) without subheadings.
2.3.2. Methodology should include: Study population/sample, Materials and tools used, Research procedure, Analytical techniques, Study area/scope.
2.3.3. Results should present descriptive and analytical findings in a clear and concise manner.
2.3.4. Discussion should interpret the significance of the results (not merely repeat them).
- Avoid excessive citations; instead, compare findings with prior research, highlighting similarities and differences.
2.3.5. Conclusion should briefly summarize the key conclusions and provide recommendations.
2.3.6. Acknowledgements
2.3.7. Conflict of Interest
2.3.8. References
2.3.9. Author Identification Note
2.3.10. Footnotes & Endnotes
2.3.11. Figures & Illustrations: All diagrams, charts, and maps must be labeled as "Figure" and numbered sequentially. Must follow consistent formatting with a uniform legend/key.
2.3.12. Tables should have a plain white background and uniform formatting.
- Formatting Guidelines
- Persian articles must be typed in Lotus 13 (Light) font.
- English articles must be typed in Times New Roman 12 (Light) font.
- Page setup: A4 size with margins (Top: 4 cm, Bottom: 3 cm, Left & Right: 3 cm).
- Text alignment: Single-column, single-spaced (Line spacing: Single).
- Article Length
- Maximum 7,000 words or 20 printed pages (including tables, figures, Persian/English abstracts, and references).
- Persian Article Title
- Should not exceed 20 characters (including spaces).
- Must be typed in Lotus 13 (Black, Bold).
- Author Names & Affiliations (Persian Articles)
- Author names: Lotus 10 (Black).
- Academic/Professional titles: Lotus 10 (Black).
- English Article Title & Author Details
- Title: Times New Roman 13 (Bold).
- Author names: Times New Roman 10 (Black).
- Academic/Professional titles: Times New Roman 10 (Black).
- Corresponding author’s email & phone number must be provided in a footnote.
- Abstract Formatting
- Persian abstracts: Lotus 12 (Light), single-column.
- English abstracts: Times New Roman 11 (Light), single-column.
- Figures & Charts
- Must be high-quality originals (no screenshots or low-resolution images).
- File formats: PDF, Word, or Excel (minimum 600 dpi resolution).
- Font size in graphs/legends: Must remain readable even after scaling down for print.
- Figure captions (Persian): Lotus 12 (Black, Italic).
- Citation Guidelines: References must be cited in-text and listed at the end of the article in APA 6th edition format.
10.1 In-Text Citations
- Follow parenthetical (author, year, page) format.
- Example (Persian): (Shakoei, 2008, p. 50)
- Example (English): (Woods, 2005, p. 27)
- Citations of Persian works must include English translations in footnotes (if applicable).
10.2 Reference List (APA 6th Edition)
- Arrange alphabetically by author’s last name.
- Italicize book/journal titles.
Persian Examples:
- Rezvani, M. R. (2011). Rural development planning in Iran. Tehran: Ghomes Publishing.
- Anabestani, A. A., Shayan, H., & Bonyad-Dasht, A. (2011). The role of credits in changing rural housing patterns (Case study: Bahmai County). Journal of Spatial Planning, 1(3), 63-80.
English Examples:
- Bourne, L. S. (1981). The geography of housing. London: Edward Arnold.
- Turgat, H. (2001). Culture, continuity and change: Structural analysis of the housing pattern in squatter settlement. *Global Environment Research (GBER), 1(1), 17-25.
10.3 Quotations
- Direct/indirect quotes and paraphrased content must be in light font with standard punctuation.
- Always include author(s), year, and page number(s) in parentheses.
10.4 Theses/Dissertations
- Articles derived from student theses must credit the advisor, consultants, and student, with the advisor as the responsible author.
10.5 Funding Disclosure
- If research/article costs were funded by an institution, its name must appear on the first page.
10.6 Persian References in English
- All Persian references must be translated into English and submitted with the extended abstract.
- Article Evaluation Process
- Eligible submissions undergo peer review by field experts.
- Reviewers provide constructive feedback, which is shared anonymously with authors.
- Editorial Rights
- The journal reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit submissions.
- Rejected/withdrawn articles are archived for 3 months, after which the journal bears no responsibility.
- Author Responsibilities
- Authors must ensure content accuracy.
- A final proof is sent to the corresponding author for approval.
- No response within 1 week implies consent to edits.
- Submission Method
- Only online submissions via the journal’s system (https://jgusd.um.ac.ir/contacts?_action=loginForm&lang=en) are accepted.
- No postal/hand-delivered manuscripts will be processed.
- Format Compliance
- Submissions not adhering to journal guidelines will be returned without review.
- Required Files for Submission
- Author Details File (Word):
- Full names and affiliations (in Persian & English).
- Main Manuscript File (Word):
- Anonymous (no author details).
- Extended Abstract File (Word):
- Detailed English abstract + Persian original.
- Translated Persian references (in English).
Review Process Notes:
- Double-blind peer review: Neither authors nor reviewers know each other’s identities.
- Initial review: <10 days.
- Full review timeline: 4–6 months.